Following is a blog from one of our favorite stylists, friends and customers
Kam Thomas Throckmorton
Style, Sisterhood, and the Perfect Fisherman Sweater
Let’s face it—I have been mildly obsessed with Elyce Arons for quite a while. So, when I found myself sitting in my car, interviewing the co-founder of Kate Spade and current CEO of Frances Valentine, I didn't play it cool. I told her the truth: "I feel like I'm your friend."
That is the magic of Elyce Arons. Whether she is galavanting through New York with a giant red bow or sharing the "sad little table" stories of her early days in the industry, she exudes a warmth that makes you feel instantly seen.
The Power of Being Seen
If you know me, you know I have often felt neglected by the fashion industry. This is why my connection to Frances Valentine is so personal.
I shared a memory with Elyce about my first buying trip with Planters Exchange. When I realized I could order her designs in a 2X, I actually started crying at the table. It wasn't just about the clothes; it was about feeling seen.
Elyce’s commitment to inclusive sizing isn't a marketing ploy; it’s personal. She told me about shopping for her wedding in 1999 with her sister, who needed plus size. "The look on her face every time we would go to a department store and they said, 'We don't have anything in your size'—it killed me," Elyce recalled. Today, despite the higher costs of fabric and embroidery, Frances Valentine offers about 80% of their line in inclusive sizing. As Elyce put it, "It was really important to me to offer all sizes."
Vintage Souls and Royal Sweaters
We bonded instantly over our shared love of all things vintage. I asked Elyce about her favorite vintage find, expecting a high-fashion archival piece. Instead, she told me about an oyster-colored Irish fisherman sweater she bought at a thrift store about 30 years ago.
"It is still in pristine condition," she told me. But the story gets better. While watching an episode of The Crown, Elyce saw the Queen wearing a sweater with the exact same pattern. "I freaked out. I was like, 'No, that's the pattern of my Irish sweater!'"
Unable to find the original family mill, she recreated it for Frances Valentine. It’s that kind of storytelling—weaving a thrift store find into a modern essential—that defines her brand’s unique charm.
Confidence is the Best Accessory
As we chatted, we touched on a philosophy I preach to my daughter and my clients alike: how you show up in the world matters. Elyce admitted she gives her own daughters "the speech" when they try to leave the house in sweats.
"You're going to feel like you're in sweats all day. And everybody's going to treat you like you're in sweats," she says. “It’s not about vanity; it’s about energy.”
We laughed about our mothers, both flight attendants, who instilled in us the need to dress up for travel. It’s a trend I find myself missing in today’s hum-drum airport routines. As Elyce noted, "You might make your next job opportunity happen on the plane. You're certainly not going to if you have that sweatshirt on."
A Legacy of Joy
What strikes me most about Elyce is how she has honored her best friend and partner, the late Kate "Katy" Spade. In a world that loves the salacious, Elyce has chosen to focus on the light, continuing their shared vision with "warmth, wit, and style.",
From supporting mental health initiatives like Hope for Depression to keeping Katy’s vintage-inspired aesthetic alive, she moves with grace. She even shared a touching, funny memory of how they used to trade clothes. "She actually would take my clothes and have them hemmed or just have them changed without even asking me," Elyce laughed. "It's what you do to your sister or your best friend."
We Might Just Make It After All
Looking forward, 2026 marks the 10-year anniversary of Frances Valentine, and Elyce shows no signs of slowing down. She teased incredible collaborations coming up with Jay McLaughlin and—my personal style crush—Blair Eadie. "It's like Christmas day every time we open a sample box," she said with palpable enthusiasm.
As we wrapped up our conversation, I felt that familiar spark I get when I find the perfect accessory. Elyce Arons isn't just a CEO; she is a woman who understands that style is a celebration of a life well lived.
Bill Cunningham said it best: "Those who seek beauty will find it." After spending the morning with Elyce, I can confirm: if you seek joy, resilience, and a really good fisherman sweater, you’ll find it with her.